Police Rescue Abductees, Arrest Vote-Buying Suspects in Multi-State Operations

The Nigeria Police Force has rescued dozens of kidnap victims and arrested suspected vote buyers, gun runners, cultists, drug dealers and other criminal suspects in a series of coordinated operations across several states.

The operations, conducted between July 27 and July 30, were contained in a state-by-state operational summary released on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, CSP Ani Iniedu.

One of the biggest breakthroughs was recorded in Sokoto State, where a joint team of police tactical operatives, Anti-Kidnapping personnel, officers of the Victims and Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and troops of the Nigerian Army engaged armed bandits in a gun battle.

The security pressure forced the bandits to flee into the forest, leading to the rescue of 32 kidnapped victims comprising six males and 26 females. Police said all the victims were rescued unharmed, while investigations by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) are ongoing.

In Nasarawa State, police rescued three abducted female students after sustained pressure on their captors. The victims were medically examined before being reunited with their families, while efforts have continued to apprehend the kidnappers.

Lagos State recorded multiple operational successes during the period. Police arrested the alleged leader of a notorious highway robbery syndicate through an intelligence-led operation. According to the force, the suspect confessed to the crime and admitted belonging to the Eiye Confraternity, while security operatives have launched a manhunt for other members of the gang.

Operatives also rescued a kidnap victim along the Lagos-Ogun border and safely reunited the victim with family members.

In a separate raid on criminal hideouts, police arrested 39 suspects and recovered 11 hand-push trucks, 14 hanging scales and two standing scales believed to be connected with criminal activities.

The Federal Capital Territory also witnessed major breakthroughs as police arrested two suspects for allegedly vandalising and stealing solar installations. Fourteen solar poles and accessories were recovered, while efforts are underway to apprehend other members of the syndicate.

In another operation in Abuja, three suspected illicit drug dealers were arrested following credible intelligence. Police recovered large quantities of Pregabalin, Tramadol, Nitrazepam, Codeine and other controlled substances, with investigations continuing to recover more exhibits and arrest accomplices.

In Delta State, intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols and four rounds of live ammunition.

Police also raided a criminal hideout, arresting seven suspected cult members. Recovered exhibits included a double-barrel gun, seven live cartridges and a cult beret.

Akwa Ibom Police arrested a wanted suspect over the alleged theft of goods valued at more than ₦5 million and a company vehicle. The suspect reportedly confessed to the offence, while efforts are ongoing to recover the stolen vehicle.

The command also arrested two suspects accused of vandalising government drainage infrastructure, recovering large quantities of drainage binding wires believed to have been stolen.

In Benue State, operatives intercepted a suspected gun runner during a stop-and-search operation, recovering 115 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition. Police also arrested an alleged illegal gun manufacturer and recovered a locally made AK-47 rifle alongside tools used in producing firearms.

Enugu State Police arrested a suspect accused of defiling and impregnating a 13-year-old girl. The suspect remains in custody and is assisting investigators.

In Ekiti State, police arrested a suspected fraudster for allegedly obtaining money under false pretences. Counterfeit United States dollars and charms were recovered during the operation.

Bauchi State Police also arrested a rape suspect following a prompt response to a reported incident. The victim has received medical attention, while investigations continue.

Ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State, police arrested six suspects over alleged vote-buying and other electoral offences.

Recovered items included ₦4.818 million in cash, ballot paper specimens, a laptop, printer, photocopying machine, voters’ register and voters’ cards.

The Force Headquarters said investigations were ongoing in all the cases, adding that security operatives had intensified efforts to arrest fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal networks linked to the various offences.